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Data Transfer Speed Between 2023 M3 iMac and External SSD- Best Connection

I am trying to figure out the best connection between my 2023 M3 iMac and my external T7 SSD.


Is it worth getting a Thunderbolt3 to Thunderbolt3 cable? I think this will connect the Thunderbolt/USB4 port on the iMac to the T7 which has a USBC connector.


This should allow data transfer speeds of 40 GB/second vs. 10 GB/second if I just use a USBC cable to connect to the iMac USB3 port.


Will the TB3 cable work for this and will the transfer speed difference be noticeable?

Want to know if it's worth buying the TB3 cable.


I would appreciate any advice. Thanks! ((my new Mac is a 2023 M3 but that option was not available to tag))


iMac (M1, 2021)

Posted on Nov 20, 2023 8:58 AM

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Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Nov 20, 2023 9:02 AM

Hey there!


The Samsung T7 SSD is not compatible with Thunderbolt. You have to use USB with it.


If you want a Thunderbolt external SSD, I'd recommend a LaCie Rugged SSD Pro External Drive with Thunderbolt 3 - Apple or an OWC Envoy Pro FX - OWC.


-Jack

2 replies

Data Transfer Speed Between 2023 M3 iMac and External SSD- Best Connection

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